This trip follows a FSR that is snowy in winter 8 miles one way to a stunning alpine basin at 12000 feet at Billings Lake. It starts at the Angel of Shavano TH between Salida and Monarch Pass on CR 240.Even though it gains nearly 2600 feet it never gets steep and is occasionally groomed after decent snow. The views are good along the way but at treeline they are amazing. Here is a trip report from a couple of outings early 2015. http://tomcatoutdoors.blogspot.com/2015 ... rk-of.html